Combination enclosure and stand for books and like articles



C. STEINER July 20, 1965 COMBINATION ENCLOSURE AND STAND FOR BOOKS AND LIKE ARTICLES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 24, 1963 INVENTOR. CHARLES STE/NH? ATTORNEYS y 0, 1965 c. STEINER 3,195,850

COMBINATION ENCLOSURE AND STAND FOR BOOKS AND LIKE ARTICLE" Filed Dec. 24, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 CHARLES STE/NH? ATTORNE Y5 United States Patent 3,195,85il COMBINA'IKQN ENCLOSURE AND STAND FUR BOOKS AND LIKE ARTICLES (Iharles Steiner, 25 Sutton Place 8., New York 22, FLY.

Filed Dec. 24, 1%3, Ser. No. 333,107 4 Claims. (U. 248-454) The invention relates to collapsible book stands and more particularly to book stands which may be easily discarded, if desired.

It is one of the primary objects of the invention to provide means contributing to a very efiicacious stand structure for books and like articles, which may be adjusted to the dimensions, especially to the height of the article or book and also to the slope or inclination at which a reader prefers to glance over the pages of a book.

It is another important object of the invention to provide means resulting in a sturdy, protective and simplified wrap or shipping container for a book or books in com bination with a bookstand which is amenable to being inexpensively subjected to mass production techniques and exerting a great sales appeal for books and like articles.

Yet another object of the invention resides in the provision of means facilitating handling of a book container and setting it up and adjusting the same for use as a book stand or like support.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means conducive to the manufacture of book stands, if desired, from book shipping containers, which stands are light in weight, can be made from corrugated board, cardboard and like materials and may be instantaneously collapsed from any adjusted operative position without the need of any skill or dexterity.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide means redounding to a compact, firm and inexpensive book packaging and stand device, which can be placed on a readers lap, table top and like support and can be easily adjusted to the convenience of a persons reading habits and to the dimensions of the book when carried by the stand.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a collapsible book stand in inoperative position and constructed pursuant to the invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 indicate on a reduced scale and in side elevation steps in setting up the book stand of FIG. 1 to operative position.

FIG. 4 shows on a somewhat enlarged scale side elevational view of the book stand made in accordance with the invention in two adjusted operative positions (one being indicated in dot and dash lines).

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section taken along line 55 l I and as seen from the top of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top plan View of a rearward portion of the book stand and the mode of its fixation in Patented July 20, 1965 FIG. 10 is a front view of the adjustment device, as seen according to line ltl1tl of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates in perspective a shipping container in closed condition and made pursuant to the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective the container of FIG. 11 partly in open condition.

FIG. 13 indicates the container of FIG. 12 set up as a book stand.

FIG. 14 is the book stand of FIG. 13 drawn to an enlarged scale and in section taken along line ll4-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view in side elevation of a modilied form of the stand of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary rear end View of the book stand of FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate further modifications of setting up the novel book stand and representing views similar to those of FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view (somewhat enlarged) of the forward end of the coilapsible book stand taken along lines 19i9 of FIG. 18.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings and specifically to FIGS. 1 to 4 there is disclosed a substantially flat piece of foldable stock material it), such as cardboard, corrugated paperboard, sheet made of plastic or plastic composition, which has parallel fold lines 11, 12, i3 and 14. These fold lines define panel sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 having substantially parallel lateral edges 20 and 21 and an end panel section 19 with converging lateral edges 22, 23 which terminate in end edge 25 as shown. Forward panel 15 has an end edge 24, which is cover d by a sleeve-shaped band 26, which will be described in greater detail, as the description progresses.

FIG. 4 illustrates, partly in section, how piece it has been folded to assume the configuration of a book stand or like support 39. The end panel section 19 has been frictionally and slidably engaged in sleeve 26, which is anchored, in this instance, to the underface 15a of panel section 15 near its forward end 24. The end edge 25 of slidable panel section 19 is inserted in sleeve 26, so that stand 34) takes up a position A, as shown in full lines, Whereas panel section 19 when further moved in the direction of arrow X, assumes a somewhat more inclined position B with the end edge 25 slid beyond end 24 as indicated in dot and dash lines. It will be noted that panel section 16, in this embodiment, is pressed onto panel section 15, which forms the thus reinforced bottom or base of the book stand, by means of readily removable rubber band means 27, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FTGS. 6, 7, and 8 show further possibilities of temporarily fastening panel 1% to panel section 15 by means of a press button arrangement 28 or by means of a pressure adhesive layer arrangement 29, both known per se.

In order to knock down the book stand 3% the slidable panel 3.9 may be withdrawn from sleeve 25 in the direction of arrow Y (PEG. 3) and then swung about fold line 11 to flat position as may be clear from H68. 2 and 1.

FIG. 9 shows the book stand 34 in a preferred erected position in which a book 31 (indicated in dot and dash lines) abuts against the rearward edge 3'2. of sleeve 26 and is retained in an inclined reading position and for adjustment against panel section 13.

it will be realized that, if the book stand is made from inexpensive paper material having a certain stiffness (preferably corrugated cardboard), such stand may be discarded otherwise or disposed of after complete perusal and reading of a book. in some cases it is suggested that the inner exposed and friction producing surface of sleeve 26 may be made of corrugated cardboard or may bear a layer of a material, which acts under high friction against and on the surface of slidable panel 1?, so as to afford the possibility o'fadjusting the book stand to various desirable inclined positions and, if desired in accordance with one or more dimensions (e.g. height) of the respective book.

FIGS. 11 to 14 show selected positions of a bookstand based generally on the same principleas hereinabove described, but constructed to serve preliminarily as a ship ping container. I v j V V This container 40 which may be cmployedto package and protect a book for mailing purposes is made up as shown in FIG. 12, from a single 'piece 410i cardboard and like material, as hereinaboveindicated. 1

The wrap or container 40 has a lengthy and the shape and size of the collapsedbook" stand or blank like that seen in FIG. 1. Thus end panel section 43 Satan scored main body 42 which is conformed substantially'to member on base section 44 near its edge 47a.

lengthwise of member 4,6 to facilitate anchorage of said 7 7 There is also shown the forward and free end edge 45 of slidable panel section 43, threaded through sleeve-shaped member 46; This latter member consequently consists of fastening tape'd i' andfrictional layer 47. r i

FIG. 18 shows in section 'book stand 141d somewhat modified} The panelrsection 49 has near panel section 43 two spaced score or fold lines 48a and 4941, so that an upper panel section'part 49e'1n'ay be placed insuperposed position onto inwardly folded panelsection 48 (swung about fold line @819) and then fastened in place onto base section 44inany known manner, e.g.]by adhe sive, to bring about reinforcement of said baseforming ilar to band 26) made from friction-producing corrugated I material, which is engageable with converging end edge 45 of panel section 413, as depicted in FIGS. l3and 14.

Band 46 is shown broken ofi'at etia (FIGS. 11 and l2) to indicate the front edge ia of panel 44 and to expose the corrugations of the material.

" Besides panel sections 43 and 44 there are also-present sections 48, 49 and 50, which find their counterparts in panel sections 16, 17 and 18 of FIG. 1. In addition,

panel section 49 is provided with side flap sections 51, 52.

and 53, 54 with respective longitudinal fold lines 51a, 52a and 53a, 5411. Between panels 49 and 569 there extends a further or intermediatesection 55 defined by transverse lines 55a and 55b for a purpose hereinafter described. 7 I 7 From the aforesaid disclosure it will ensue that one or more book taking up the space defined by panel section 49 as a base,'and opposite flaps 51, 52; and 53, 54 when in erected or upright position as lateral walls maybe lo; cated and packaged'in thus formed enclosure or'container 40 for shipping purposes. In order to assume a closed position panel sections id, 55 maybe swung about their respective transverse told lines 455a and 55a, so that sec 7 tionsSt) and 43 may overlie flaps 52 and 54, with said panel section 43 in superposed position onpanel section 50', while section 44 with its attached sleeve or frictional band46 closes down on top of section 43. Any pres-,

sure adhesive tape or other closure strips (not shown) may be used to keep enclosure or container 46 in its condition for shipping or carrying purposes (FIG. ll). 7

When the container 40 is opened for removal of its contents, the stand &2 may bereadily setup from its col lapsed position in a-manner hereinabov'e' described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 10. If it is not desired that the side" flap sections 51, 52 and 53, 54 be employed as lateral section 44 at'its rearward end as depicted in FIG. 18.

it is well understood that thusthe height of the effective remaining portion of: panel section 49 has been; reduced to suit a diflerent book size. The book or like article (notjshown) may be placed on this modified stand to abut against b'and'edge 46band to, lean against panel section Sti which assumes also a changed inclination, as seen in the drawing. v I

It canthus be seengthat there has been created ac- "cording'to the invention a combinationshipping-enclosure and book stand'characteriZed by' a one-piece elongated sectional blank'lltior 41 ofrelative stilt" material,

' which is provided with a plurality of panel sections 15 to 19" or.j43, 44 48, 49 50 and 55 hinged to each other to facilitate folding of said blank, which panel sections include two end panels 19,120 or 43, 44 and intermediate panels 16 to 13 or 3 8 to. 50 and interconnecting said end panels with one another, and engageahle means 26 'or 46 connected to one of said'end panelsfadiacent the outermost end 47 thereof and adapted to slidably and frictionally; engage the other end panel 1 9 or 43, so that both end panels 15, 19; or 43,44 are located in contact witheach other in superposed position (FIGS. 4, 9 and 15,) to form abase, two adjacentof said intermediate sections 17,"18 'or 49, 5t) beingdirnensioned so as to be set up in angular relation to each other on said base in one condition to form'a stand for supporting a book and like article thereon.

The aforesaid end panels and said intermediate panels are also foldable in another'condition so as todefine a hollow enclosure adapted to surround or cover a book and-like'article for shipping purposes. a

The invention in its'broadest aspect is applicable to various other substantially flatarticles, such as musicsheets and books, dresses and the like to be shipped in containers, which thereafter may be setup as display stands, music-stands and like devices.

reinforcements (FIGS. 13 and 14) for the stand 42 they I may be cut oil or otherwise permanently removed at 51 1 and 53a, as depicted in FIGVIS. FIG; 15 shows further in full lines a predetermined height and inclination of panel 50 relative to base 44 and in dot and dash lines another changed position for a different panel inclination. In the last embodiment a flap 4901 has been severed along score line 4912 from rear panel section 49 and swung about fold line 490 onto panel section 48 in order to main tain the latter 'in flat, rigid and aligned position on the base forming panel section 44, as shown. A pressure adhesive layer 60 aids in holding down flap 49a onto panel sections 48 and 44' in superposed relation. 7 Panel 49 in 'view of cut-out 61 is practically not weakened and such cut-out may be easily used tofacilitate insertion of suit able object or objects 63 in the pocket or space 62 to function e.g. as a paper-weight or the like for stabilizing.

the stand, if so desired.

' While several specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied as stated without departing 'from such principles.

What is claimed is: v I

1. Astand for books. and like supporting device comprising a'one-piece elongated blank having transverse fold lines in spaced apart relation, which define a plurality of panel sections,toutermost sections and'intermediate sec- .tions, respectively; one of the outermost sections terminating in a transverse and tapered end. edge, the. other outermost section including a member shaped to produce In the sectional view of FIG. 19, as viewed according r friction upon slidable engagement of said tapered end edge therewith, whereby said other outermost section constitutes a base on which said one outermost section and said intermediate sections areproppcd, one of said intermediate sections being angularly braced against another of said'intermediate sections, so that a book and like object may beretainedin angular position, when said book is placed against one of said intermediate sections, and a predetermined narrow int'ermediatesection positioned between said other outermost panel section and said one intermediate panel section; which narrow intermediate section extends rearwardly of said one and said other intermediate panel sections and serves to reinforce said base in erected condition of the stand.

2. A combination shipping wrap and book stand comprising (a) an elongated sectional blank made of relatively stiff material and provided with a plurality of panel sections hinged to each other to facilitate folding of said blank,

(b) said panel sections being constituted by end panels and intermediate panels interconnecting said end panels with one another,

(0) and engageable means connected to one of said end panels adjacent the outermost end thereof and adapted to slidingly and frictionally receive said other of said end panels, so that both said end panels are located in contact with each other in superposed position to form a base,

(d) two adjacent of said intermediate panels being dimensioned so as to be set up in angular relation to each other on said base in one condition to form a stand for supporting a book and like article between said engageable means and a contiguous one of said set up intermediate panels,

(e) said end panels and said intermediate panels being foldable in another condition, so as to define a hollow wrap adapted to enclose a book and like flat article for shipping purposes.

3. A combination book and like stand and shipping enclosure for a book and similar fiat article; comprising (a) an elongated, substantially rectangularly shaped blank of relative rigid material,

(b) a plurality of spaced apart, parallel and transverse fold lines dividing said blank into a plurality of panel sections hinged to each other to facilitate folding of said panel sections transversely of said blank,

(c) said panel sections including two end panels, at

least two main panels and intermediate panels interconnecting said end panels with said main panels,

(d) sleeve-means connected to one of said end panels and frictionally engageable by the other of said end panels,

(e) said intermediate panels and said main panels being foldable, so that said two main panels form an upstanding, angular-shaped support on the base forming end panels when the latter are frictionally engaged with each other,

(f) one of said main panels being provided with at least one additional foldable panel which is adapted to be located on said base for fixation thereto, so as to reinforce said base and to vary the angle and height of said angular-shaped support,

(g) further panel means arranged opposite each other and foldable about axes extending longitudinally of said blank onto said one main section, thereby to define a hollow enclosure space between said one main section and said further panel means,

(11) said remaining panels being foldable on said one main section and said further panel means to form an enclosure for an article.

4. A combination shipping enclosure and book stand comprising an elongated, sectional blank provided with a plurality of panel sections having transversely directed fold lines hinging said sections to each other to facilitate folding thereof, said panel sections including two opposite end panels, and intermediate panels interconnecting said end panels, and frictional means connected to and provided with an edge offset with respect to one of said end panels and adapted to slidingly engage the other end panel, so that two adjacent ones of said intermediate panels may be set up in angular relation to each other on the base constituted by said engaged end panels, to form in one condition a stand for supporting a book and like article in the space between said offset edge of said frictional means and a contiguous one of said intermediate set up panels, said end panels when folded in mutually superposed position and with predetermined intermediate panels set up in opposed upright relation defining an enclosure, said enclosure being adapted to surround a book and like substantially flat article in another condition of said panels for shipping purposes.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,169,869 2/ 16 Richards 28 1,442,067 1/23 Horr 248196 2,716,485 8/55 Hecker 206-4514 3,039,227 6/62 Buchholtz 248-452 3,041,637 7/62 Emery 5327 3,097,444 7/ 63 Steiner 248-454 3,119,194 1/64 Ray 248-459 FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner. 

1. A STAND FOR BOOKS AND LIKE SUPPORTING DEVICE COMPRISING A ONE-PIECE ELONGATED BLANK HAVING TRANSVERSE FOLD LINES IN SPACED APART RELATION, WHICH DEFINE A PLURALITY OF PANEL SECTIONS, OUTERMOST SECTIONS AND INTERMEDIATE SECTIONS, RESPECTIVELY, ONE OF THE OUTERMOST SECTIONS TERMINATING IN A TRANSVERSE AND TAPERED END EDGE, THE OTHER OUTERMOST SECTION INCLUDING A MEMBER SHAPED TO PRODUCE FRICTION UPON SLIDABLE ENGAGEMENT OF SAID TAPERED END EDGE THEREWITH, WHEREBY SAID OTHER OUTERMOST SECTIO CONSTITUTES A BASE ON WHICH SAID ONE OUTERMOST SECTION AND SAID INTERMEDIATE SECTIONS ARE PROPPED, ONE OF SAID ANOTHER MEDIATE SECTIONS BEING ANGULARLY BRACED AGAINST ANOTHER OF SAID INTERMEDIATE SECTIONS, SO THAT A BOOK AND LIKE OBJECT MAY BE RETAINED IN ANGULAR POSITION WHEN SAID BOOK IS PLACED AGAINST ONE OF SAID INTERMEDIATE SECTIONS, AND A PREDETERMINED NARROW INTERMEDIATE SECTION POSITIONED BETWEEN SAID OTHER OUTERMOST PANEL SECTION AND SAID ONE INTERMEDIATE PANEL SECTION, WHICH NARROW INTERMEDIATE SECTION EXTENDS REARWARDLY OF SAID ONE AND SAID OTHER INTERMEDIATE PANEL SECTIONS AND SERVES TO REINFORCE SAID BASE IN ERECTED CONDITION OF THE STAND. 